#imagine being friends with cat who can probably make you any damn rune that you want but you decided to be sassy instead

[dragonfoods]

The Halden is an ex theory is probably the most baffling onyx storm theory to me but I don’t hate it

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @the-prophet-lemonade!

Hello! My first Malec fic as part of the Malec secret santa 2018! I hope you enjoy it. <3

I found it a little difficult to write due to being used to writing longer fics, so I hope it's not as bad as I worry.

Read on AO3

*****

Fearless

Good morning, darling.

Alec gulped at the text. His sister had persuaded him to branch out and meet someone on some sort of mobile app that finds you friends. Or, rather, he had lost a bet and had to at least talk to one person on the app. So he talked to some guy called Magnus (though he didn’t actually do anything as the guy struck up a conversation first) and…well, he found he had enjoyed it. And now there was this. This man managed to make texts sound exciting. Alec sometimes struggled with what to say or he found himself talking easily with him.

Hi.

Eloquent this morning, I see! What do you have planned for the day?

Uh, same as yesterday really. Practising my martial arts, reading…I have work in the evening. You?

Ah, exciting, darling. You should visit some clubs with me on one of your evenings off. ;)

It hadn’t been the first time Magnus had suggested this, unfortunately he was just…not that into clubs. Or being social in general. Yet every time he declined, his new friend took it in great humour. Alec was puzzled, if he was honest. He could tell that the other man was social, definitely far more social than him…wasn’t he boring?

Not really my thing. Thanks for asking, though. :)

If you change your mind, you have my number. ;) How is that job of yours going?

Much the same as usual; a never-ending battle. I enjoy it, though.

Obviously he couldn’t tell him exactly what his job was, but he supposed policeman wasn’t too far off.

Better you than me; I’ve never been much of a physical man, except for the pleasure of another’s company. ;)

…I’m sure you do very well there. Not that I would know. Haha.

;)

How is your job?

Usually quite enjoyable, with the occasional asshole client. Needless to say, they don’t remain client for long. ;)

How unfortunate for them, but not undeserved.

Exactly, darling. I’m too pretty to deal with their negative energies.

He was glad he lost that bet; talking to Magnus took his mind off things, especially recently when things had gotten a heck of a lot weirder. They had found a mundane with the sight…or, as it turned out, an unmarked shadowhunter. A very rare occurrence. Clary had waltzed into their lives and distracted Jace, been a nuisance and needs to be taught a modicum of patience and sensibility, but he at least had a new friend to distract him, just a little. Not from his job, never that.

Alec pocketed his phone and decided he should get on with his day. Clary had been talking about runes that had been coming to her mind. He didn’t really think that was possible, but it wasn’t like his opinion was going to change anything. Today, she was apparently going to show them some.

He found Jace and accompanied him to the library where they were all meeting to see these new runes of Clary’s, Alec every bit as sceptical as he had been from the start.

“I know it’s hard to believe, but I can create new runes and I’ll prove it today,” Clary said.

“Can you create one by will or…do you have to wait? Honestly, this seems very much unlikely,” Alec scoffed.

“Hey, hey, Clary’s got a gift, she’s going to show you,” Simon said.

“I’m still working on it. One came to me, but I could try by will. Any ideas?” Clary asked.

“What about fearless? That would be useful,” he said.

“Yeah, that would be,” Izzy said. She said quieter to Alec. “You can go through spider dens then.”

“Shut up,” Alec muttered, though with no real fire.

“I can try that,” Clary said.

He watched as she stared into space and he rolled his eyes, looking at Jace. “Do we have time for this?” He muttered.

“Alec, she’s done it before, I’ve seen it,” Jace said. “Shot sunlight out of her palm at some demons.”

He looked back at Clary, who was drawing something on a piece of paper. She brought it over to them and he looked at it. He looked at Jace; as sceptical as Alec was, Jace wasn’t much different to him in that respect. He was as cynical as they came and yet he trusted Clary’s abilities. He shrugged and pulled up his sleeve, looking at Jace. He trusted Jace completely, so he might as well try it.

Jace drew the rune on his forearm and Alec pulled his sleeve down.

“So…?” Simon piped up. “How do we test it…in the institute…where demons aren’t allowed?”

Before Alec could speak up, their parents walked in. “What is a mundane doing here?” Maryse asked.

“He’s with Clary. While you’re here, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, I just…didn’t know how to or whether you would accept it, but I’m not scared anymore,” Alec stated, feeling brave, which he supposed meant the rune was working. “I’m gay.”

Alec stared at his arm, at where the fearless rune had been. Long faded, it had been a week since he had come out to his parents (and Clary and Simon, thankfully Jace and Iz already knew) and it had been a week since they had spoken to him. He could still remember the shock on their faces. They hadn’t known what to say, but it didn’t look like they needed to say anything; actions spoke louder than words.

Are you alright, darling? I haven’t heard from you in a week.

He stared down at the text, wondering whether or not to tell him. The fact that he was even considering it puzzled him further; what was it about this person that made him want to share such private details of his life?

I’m sorry. Family crisis. Rather not talk about it. How are you? Hopefully better than me.

I’m sorry to hear that, darling. Perhaps I can make you feel much better. ;)

???

An ill-timed joke, darling, nothing to fear. I am quite alright, sitting with my cat and planning a party. You’re welcome to come, of course. ;)

Alec was interrupted from replying by a knock on the door. Pocketing his phone, he answered the door to see Izzy there. She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around him. They might not have the parabatai bond, but sometimes they really didn’t need it. They knew what each other needed, most of the time.

He shut the door and she smiled at him. “I know things have been…unpleasant for you, around mum and dad. I had an idea; what if you got away for a while?” Izzy suggested.

“I’m not running away,” he muttered.

“No, not that, just…I don’t know, for a few weeks, just think about it,” Izzy said.

“Where would I even go?” Alec asked.

“I’ve thought about that too. Magnus Bane. He says he doesn’t care for Shadowhunters, but I also know he can’t resist helping people,” Izzy said.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Come on, we’re getting ready for a party,” Izzy said.

“A what?”

“A party, we need to visit Magnus Bane again,” Izzy said. “This time, you’re coming as well. Maybe you’ll make up your mind by the time we get there.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“No.”

Alec stood in the doorway of this Magnus Bane’s loft waiting for their knock to be answered. Honestly, he didn’t want to be there. He really didn’t and yet, here he was. He was more than a little tired of all of this; ever since Clary had come into their lives it had all gone downhill. He had been better off in the closet, but that had been his choice. He’d offered to test out the new rune, it was his own damned fault. At least he could stand here having prevented Izzy’s attempts to dress him nicely. Her nice was generally uncomfortable.

The door swung open and Alec’s eyes moved to the man who answered it. He was young-looking, but warlocks generally were. He had spiked up dark hair with colours highlighting it, possibly glitter too…glitter everywhere…and he was showing a lot of skin. There Alec was in his mottled woollen jumper and jeans.

“You lot again. What now? I—well hello. You seem to have brought someone new. You are?” The man answering the door asked. He was probably Magnus Bane.

“Alec. This is my brother, Alec,” Izzy said. “This is Magnus Bane.”

Clearly she was trying to get his attention and he looked at her, then at Magnus. “Hi,” he said, lamely.

“Come in,” Magnus said, leading them in.

Izzy pulled him along, into the loft which seemed to be heaving with bodies dancing to loud music. Already he felt like he wanted to get out, but he had to stand his ground. He led him into a room, which on further inspection was his bedroom and the music died out completely.

“So…” Magnus started.

“We have a couple of requests,” Izzy said.

“Of course you do. Darling, you’ll find that I’m very expensive,” Magnus said. “Though I suppose I can be persuaded.”

Alec was pretty sure he imagined the look Magnus gave him. As if he would hold the attention of someone who looked like Magnus did when Jace and Izzy were in the room. In the better lighting, the suspicion he had earlier was confirmed; he had green-gold cat eyes and was very handsome. Which also meant he was likely straight. All the handsome ones were.

“Alec, you had a request, you first,” Izzy said.

“Don’t you think my mom is more—” Clary started up, indignant.

Alec swallowed, unable to cope with his attention. “Um, yeah. I wanted to know…where’s your bathroom?” Alec asked, unable to do it after all.

Magnus blinked at him before waving his hand. “Follow the shining light, darling,” he said.

Alec couldn’t have gotten out of that room any faster; how embarrassing, He followed the magic through the room full of people, dodging out of the way of a handsy faerie and locking the bathroom door behind him. He leant against the door and pulled his sleeve up, staring at his forearm. Just last week he had been brave and spoken his mind how he wanted, uninhibited by his usual self-doubt.

He pulled out his stele and drew the fearless rune on him again and took himself out of the bathroom and back to the bedroom. He stood next to his sister, waiting for them to be done with Clary’s latest issue and watched when they finally started leaving the room.

“I’ll join you in a moment,” Alec said.

When it was just the two of them, he looked at Magnus, who was watching him curiously.

“So, you’ve worked out what you wanted to ask me?”

“Yeah. I have. I need to get away from the Institute for a while. I’m suffocating there after coming out to my parents and they’re none too pleased. I was wondering if you could help me find a place to lay low. I don’t really have a lot of money,” he said.

“Darling, money is no issue, but I don’t have a spare room. My friend Ragnor and I are halfway through our new year’s bet slash challenge to live one year like mundanes. Almost. Of course, some magic is allowed, but home improvement is not,” Magnus said. “So unless you’re willing to share my bed, there is the couch.”

He cleared his throat. “The couch will be fine,” he said.

Moving in wasn’t much of a hassle, especially when Clary’s mundane friend actually offered to drive his stuff to his new place. He wasn’t exactly fond of the mundane, but Alec couldn’t exactly deny that he’d been considerate this time. Most of his belongings were books and manga that he had collected over the year, which he had managed to put into one trunk, then a trunk for weaponry…and one for clothes, though they were hardly exciting. Holey jumpers, other dark coloured and worn clothes.

He wondered whether he should have simply gone elsewhere, considering Magnus didn’t have much room for himself, but the man seemed eager to have a roommate and Alec didn’t know where else to go. He supposed when you lived as long as Magnus did, you had to find ways to make it interesting.

Sleeping on the sofa did prove a little uncomfortable; unlike his brother, he couldn’t just fall asleep anywhere. Alec pursed his lips thinking of Max; he had talked to him before he had moved out, explained why he was doing this and what he was. Max might be too young to fight, but he was intelligent. He seemed to have taken everything into stride and he loved him for that, but he still felt a little like he was abandoning him.

As it was, Alec sat on the sofa reading a book, and Magnus’ little cat Chairman Meow rubbed against his leg. He reached down and picked the cat up, putting him down carefully on the sofa so he could do what he wished, which turned out to be climbing onto him and curling up. He smiled to himself, stroking the cat as he read his book.

Several hours later, Magnus returned in a flourish, as seemed to be his style and yet Alec didn’t look up from his book. It was easier that way; then he didn’t have to embarrass himself staring at him a bit too long. He was far more attractive than should be allowed, but at least he had his book to distract himself with. That he had read the same line four times now. Also, he could see the bottom of Magnus’ legs and he didn’t think the book was going to last much longer.

A ringed hand reached underneath his arms to pet the cat and he all but jumped, his book now moved sideways as Magnus crouched down with a smirk, his cat eyes alight with amusement.

“He’s certainly grown fond of you quickly, darling; it usually takes him longer to become comfortable with people,” Magnus said.

“Oh,” Alec said, unable to think of how to reply to that. He hadn’t actually gone out of his way with the cat.

Magnus smirked up at him before straightening up long enough to sit down next to him, long legs so close to his own. Shit. He did not have a crush on his roommate. This was bad.

“Is this what Shadowhunters do in their spare time? I always thought it was train, train, train and perhaps some bitching about Downworlders,” Magnus said with a hint of playfulness.

He swallowed uncomfortably. “Not quite. I just…need some time. That and for all I know, my parents might have my duties removed…in that case, I don’t know what I am going to do, I can’t exactly stay here for free,” Alec said.

Magnus reached over to retrieve his cat, but due to the location of said cat, Alec froze a little and relaxed when the cat was gone. Maybe it was a mistake staying with an overly handsome warlock.

“You know, being a gay shadowhunter and being a Downworlder in a world of narrow-minded Shadowhunters, those of which like to make the rules, aren’t much different, darling,” Magnus said, his usual tone tinted with something else. Insult, he thought.

Alec realised Magnus had mistaken his flinch and his hand automatically flew to stop Magnus from standing up. Most unfortunately for himself, his hand landed on Magnus’ chest. He clearly wasn’t built like a shadowhunter, but it certainly wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. He could feel his cheeks burning and he tried to remove his hand, but Magnus clamped it there with a smirk.

“Cat got your tongue, darling?” Magnus purred.

“Uh. I wasn’t…I don’t hate downworlders. Wary before, I guess, but my parents are not what I aspire to be,” Alec said.

Magnus’ eyebrows rose. “You know about that?”

“Yeah. I haven’t told anyone, though…as the oldest, I want to protect the younger ones, and I wasn’t sure whether they should know this, at least…for now,” Alec said.

“I seem to have misjudged you…you weren’t flinching because of what I am, but something else…” Magnus murmured.

Alec took his hand back and stood abruptly. “I’ve got to go, I need to meet with my siblings, it’s getting late,” he said gruffly.

Alec returned from a night of demon hunting a couple of nights later and collapsed onto the sofa after removing his weapons and groaned. He knew he needed to shower, but it had been a tough night and he needed to draw a few iratzes.

“Alexander, are you alright?”

Alec didn’t need to turn to know it was Magnus and, soon enough, the colourful man was in front of him, taking hold of his scuffed hands. Alec grimaced, not wanting to see Magnus dirty his own hands on his…then he realised how absurd he was being. Blue magic crackled around their hands and he could see his own clearing. Magnus moved one of his hands to his face, snapping his fingers before cupping his cheek. The magic felt soothing and he closed his eyes.

“Anywhere else, darling?” Magnus asked.

“I’m fine, Magnus, thank you…for this,” Alec murmured.

“Mhm,” Magnus said, tugging at Alec’s top. “Your chest, right? Let me see.”

Alec shook his head, feeling his cheeks warm, eyes opening to see Magnus’ concerned face. Magnus smiled and waved a hand, making him freeze up and his eyes widen for a moment, but all that happened was his chest started mending. His injuries weren’t bad, but he was a shadowhunter and used to it. Magnus may not be quite used to daily scrapes.

Magnus chuckled. “Relax, Alexander, you have nothing to worry about with me,” he said, standing up straight, once again reminding him how tall he was. “How about you take a shower and I will fix up some comfort food?”

Alec nodded, wandering into the bathroom and taking a moment to lean against the door, unable to believe his nerves. He needed to get a grip and stop acting like an idiot. He supposed it didn’t help that this was his first major crush. Sure, he’d had small crushes growing up, ones that solidified that he was, in fact, not into girls, but they were fleeting. Nothing in comparison.

Little did Alec know one night when he was lying asleep on the sofa, Magnus came in drunk as a skunk. A little too much fun with his friends and he apparently had enough thought to kick off his Louboutin high tops and find the nearest available place to lie down. On Alec, apparently.

Alec woke up the next morning feeling rather heavy, and waking up some more he realising he was holding someone. He blinked awake and looked down, recognising the hair. Long spikes with glitter and colours in it? It could only be Magnus. He swallowed, feeling warmth in his cheeks and utterly confused as to how they got into this predicament. He had gone to sleep while Magnus was out…so Magnus had found his way there.

And if that wasn’t enough, he had been holding Magnus. He wasn’t sure what he should do, but he certainly didn’t want to wake him up. Unfortunately, getting back to sleep wasn’t an option anymore; how could he sleep when he had this man in his arms? Oh, Raziel. He needed to get out of here; crushing on his roommate was not a good idea.

An hour later, Magnus stirred, making noises and eventually getting up onto his elbows. Alec had never seen him so ruffled, and perhaps if Alec was more articulate, he could have come up with something smart to say, but all he could do was simply stare at him.

“Like what you see, darling?” Magnus asked.

Yes.

“Uh, I—,” Alec floundered.

“You don’t need to open that pretty mouth of yours, Alexander; considering where I’ve been sleeping, I can tell,” he said with a wink, reaching to plant a kiss on his cheek before managing to get up surprisingly gracefully for someone sleepy after a night of drinking.

Alec closed his eyes. Crap.

His phone beeping reminded him that he hadn’t texted his friend Magnus back. He blinked at the text, realising how strange it was that he knew two people called Magnus.

Hello darling. Long time, no speak. I hope you’re still alive, darling. ;)

Hello. Yes, sorry, it has been another hectic few weeks.

Indeed. Tell you what, darling. How about we throw caution to the wind and meet?

Sure, why not?

Try to contain your enthusiasm, darling.

I’m sorry. Not with it. When do you want to meet?

Alec rubbed his face, unable to believe he’d forgotten to text his friend. Not that he actually even knew the man’s face, but they’d talked so much that Alec felt reasonably comfortable talking to him. Although, he hadn’t actually told him the full story behind his absence. Maybe he should when they met.

Tonight, at Dusk, 7pm?

Yeah, that sounds good.

Alec arrived at the place ten minutes early and waited at the bar, sending a text to say where he was before sitting down and ordering a glass of water. He was bombarded with texts from Izzy; he’d made the mistake of telling her he was finally meeting with his friend. He sipped his drink, his voyance rune clear against the back of his hand. One of few permanent runes he carried on his body, it was one of the first ones he had ever received.

Neither of them were worried about Magnus being one of those weirdos that the mundane talked about that you met online; there was never a time that Alec went out unarmed, but he couldn’t see Magnus being a threat. Far too odd to be a suspicious character.

At five past seven, he heard the noise of a chair next to him.

“Sorry I’m late, darling,” Magnus said.

Alec looked at him in confusion. “Hi Magnus…I wasn’t expecting you. I’m actually meeting a friend here.”

Magnus smirked at him and lay his phone down between them. Alec looked over and his eyebrows rose; they were his texts. He looked at him again.

“Oh.”

“Oh indeed. I had a feeling, then I spoke to your sister,” Magnus said.

“Oh.”

“Disappointed?” Magnus smirked.

“No, uh, sorry. I’m…I’ve never been great with people,” he said.

“Your sister told me as much. How about we have some drinks and food?” Magnus asked.

They were taken to a table and Alec picked up a menu, looking at the choices before balking at the price. He didn’t nearly have enough money to waste on a meal. Had he known Magnus was also his friend, he might have been more careful. Despite the bare minimum apartment, he knew the other man had expensive taste.

He sighed and put the menu down. “I can’t afford this, I’m sorry,” Alec said.

“Don’t worry, Alexander, this is on me. No buts,” Magnus said.

Alec was a smart guy (despite how idiotic he felt he had been recently) and he had read a lot of books. Therefore he had a feeling that, perhaps, this dinner meant something different to each of them.

He cleared his throat, picking up his menu to hide the warmth on his cheeks (again; this was happening a lot recently and always around Magnus).

“Just to, uh, clarify…is this dinner between friends…or something else?” Alec asked.

“In all of my years, Alexander, I’ve not met such an adorable Shadowhunter,” Magnus said. “We meet through a dating app and through your brave move away from a toxic environment…and yet, you have no clue, do you?”

“A dating…” He started before grunting. “Izzy!”

“It’s quite alright, darling; we can make this a friendly dinner,” Magnus said. “If that is what you really want.”

Alec found himself completely lost. “I’m…not opposed to dating you.”

Magnus’ face brightened.

“But…” Magnus’ face dropped a little, so Alec hurried on. “Can we start over?”

Magnus beamed, standing up and holding his hand out to Alec. “How about we find somewhere a little more comfortable; we can do the fancy date another time,” he said with a wink.

Alec let him pull him up and walked out into the cool evening with him.

“What you said before…I’m not brave, not really,” Alec said.

“Are you wearing a fearless rune right now?” Magnus asked.

Alec gaped at him.

“I saw the rune at my party and I asked your sister. That rune wasn’t in the Grey Book,” Magnus said.

“I’m not wearing it, not right now…I wish I was,” Alec muttered.

“Maybe those two times you had a jumpstart, but I would say you’re most definitely not a coward, Alexander. I’ve not known you long, but I know you’re an intelligent, brave, compassionate, funny and very much selfless young man,” Magnus said.

“Now you’re just trying to get into my pants,” Alec said, hiding his embarrassment behind humour.

Magnus just smirked.

They had bought some fast food on their way back to the apartment; despite Magnus being able to easily whisk them back to Brooklyn, the walk was nice and comfortable. Magnus asked him about his siblings (the safer option, given his parents), to which Alec spoke long and fondly about them, even if they exasperated him too, and Alec asked Magnus about his work, which led to a discussion about what variety of work warlocks did and what (far more limited) variety of work shadowhunters did.

Alec hesitated at the door and Magnus grinned at him, making him flush, before leading him inside. All the lights turned on with a flourish of Magnus’ magic and Alec felt just a little awkward now. Magnus walked back over to him with a smile.

“Thank you for a wonderful not-date, darling,” Magnus said.

Alec couldn’t help but remember Magnus’ words on bravery and decided to prove to himself that, perhaps, he was right. He reached forward and kissed him softly, not lingering long before he moved to pull away, but Magnus wrapped his arms around him and returned the kiss passionately. Alec moved his hands to Magnus’ hips, realising too late that he was touching bare skin, Magnus’ top not quite making it to the tops of his skinny jeans (and they were very, very skinny).

“Let’s go to bed, darling,” Magnus said when he pulled away. “To talk and sleep. You have to buy me dinner first if you want more than that.” He winked and sauntered into his room, hips swaying suggestively.

Maybe, just maybe, that fearless rune had saved his life.

[chocoholicannanymous]

The Dead Will Wait (Shadowhunters)

Disclaimer: I own nothing except an overactive imagination and way too many plotbunnies.

I blame this on @obsessivecompulsivereadr (I’m also extremely grateful for her, forso many reasons, but hey, I can multi-task)

The Dead Will Wait

Adding a stealth rune hurts. Then again, everything hurts now, and the rune is not anywhere near the worst. It's a good pain even, taking away from the agony inside, and it's for a reason. It's going to help her get her mom back.

Clary steels herself, focusing on that one thought. Getting her mom back.

That's worth more pain than this. It's worth everything.

The rune helps her find the information she needs undetected, and it's with a sense of relief she heads for the exit. She's going to make it. It's going to be fine. Everything is going to be fine.

Of course that's when her luck runs out. Well, kind of. She hears the voices just before she's about to turn the corner, and only just manages to stop.

It takes her a few seconds to recognize the voice, but when she does she sends up a silent prayer in thanks for stopping in time. It's Maryse, and she's clearly speaking to someone she considers beneath her (it took approximately half a day to learn the difference between Maryse talking to people who have power over her, and people she doesn't feel a need to bow down to).

“You were trained better than this. Clearly consorting with downworlders has made you weak.”

Alec or Izzy then. Clary's money is on Alec, and not just because Izzy should still be in the infirmary. Izzy never takes her mother's abuse silently. Alec...does. It makes Clary furious, hearing a parent talk to her kids that way, and it has nothing to do with liking both Lightwood siblings. She just hates bullies. She hates bad parents too. Combining the two... Yeah, no.

“...and what must Clary think, seeing you, and knowing you killed her mother?”

That does it. She steps around the corner and gives Maryse the best unimpressed stare she can muster.

“Clary thinks you should shut up. Really.”

Maryse does this thing, where she sort of draws her body up as tall as she can, that's probably meant to make her look assertive. To Clary she just looks ridiculous – aiming for combative but looking like a fool.

“No, really. Shut up, please. Stop pretending like you care about me, or my mom, because you've made it glaringly obvious that you don't.

“You've protested me being here from the beginning, looking at me like I'm something the cat dragged in, and as for my mom...” Clary swallows back tears before continuing.

“It's not like you treated her any better when she came back. You didn't come for her funeral, and it takes nothing to travel from Idris to here. You didn't even take the time to send your condolences. But today you're here, only instead of coming to find me, you went after Alec. And you used the death of a woman far better than you as ammunition to abuse your son with.

“All that does is confirm that you don't really give a damn about me, and even less about my mom. All we are to you are new tools to hurt Alec. And frankly? I find that disgusting. I find you disgusting.”

The look on Maryse's face is like she's been slapped with a rotten fish, and yeah, Clary's not above enjoying that. The fact that she can see Alec standing behind his mother, looking stunned but relieved, helps.

(She can't help but wonder how often people have just walked by a scene just like this one and ignored Maryse's abuse. Then she tries really hard to forget that thought, because damn, the last thing she needs right now is a desire to beat up half the Institute.)

She's just so damned tired of it all.

“Why are you even here, Maryse? Seriously, why? You obviously don't care about Alec and Izzy – and have you even tried to see her yet, because I'm betting not – and it's doubtful you care about anyone else here either. So why make the effort to come? It can't be to help out, because from what I've learned you never do. In fact, I've never even heard anyone mention you ever being the least bit helpful.

“So why didn't you just stay in Idris, kissing ass and licking boots? It's what you excel at, after all.”

That finally gets Maryse going again, sputtering out words Clary could care less about. She allows them to flow over her for a minute, while rearranging her plans for the day. Priorities. Gotta have'm.

“Look, honestly? I'm sure you have all sorts of reasons and excuses lined up in your head that makes your behavior okay, but to me? All I see, all I hear, is a bully. An abusive parent. And I have no desire whatsoever to listen to what it is you think makes it acceptable. Because it's not. It never is.”

Clary remembers being a bit jealous at Alec and Izzy at first, for having both their parents. She also remembers meeting Maryse and realizing that while absent dad and kidnapped mom was far from ideal she was still the lucky one.

“Oh, and as for Magnus making Alec weak? Are you, I mean, I don't even know where to start with that. Caring for others doesn't make you weak, and I pity you for not being able to understand that.

“Also, you of all people don't get to call Alec weak. He's anything but. He is, on a bad day, ten times the Shadowhunter – the human – that you are.”

“I beg your pardon–!”

“You don't have it. You really don't. Not liking me is one thing. That's, that's your prerogative. Same with not liking my mom. Your damage, not mine. But when you try and use us, try and use my mom's death to hurt someone I care about? Then it becomes my business.”

Alec might not be her friend the way Izzy is, but that doesn't make her care less. He's on her side, even when she might not deserve it. He's on Jace's side. He's helped her, has saved her, and has provided so much strength. She's not going to stand to the side and let him be beaten down, not in a physical fight nor in this.

Judging from the way he stares at her she might be the only one outside of Izzy and Jace – possibly – who thinks so. And judging from the slightly glazed look in his eyes... Time to get him out of here. She's got one more point to make though.

“I want you to listen carefully, Maryse, because I don't want there to be any confusion about this.

“The demon who killed my mom had help getting in here – had been changed so it could avoid detection. Valentine did that. Do you understand?

“As far as I'm concerned Valentine – my so-called father – killed my mom.

“Keep that in mind as I tell you this one last thing: Valentine is a better parent than you. He killed my mom, he twisted and tortured Jace, and he's still a better parent than you.”

She looks Maryse straight in the eyes for a few seconds more, and then turns on her heel and holds her hand out towards Alec.

“Come on. It's time we left.”

Alec looks confused, and more than a little shaken, but he thankfully doesn't protest. Instead he allows her to take his hand and lead him away.

She'll take him to Butter & Scotch, she decides. They will eat something drenched in sugar and cream and butter, and probably alcohol, something utterly decadent, and have a drink or two as well. Afterwards she'll hand him over to Magnus, who'll be the best for taking care of Alec in this wounded-bird mode he's in, and then go hunt down Luke. Simon as well.

They miss her mom, just as she does, and they need her as she needs them.

The plan had been to meet with the warlock, and work on having her mom resurrected, but this, Alec and Luke and Simon, is more important.

The dead can, and will, wait. The living...shouldn't have to.

~The End ~

[handle-with--care]

Tris && Talon || The Great Hall

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He has his cauldron set up on the table, simmering as he stirs it slowly, half a dozen bottles of ingredients and the bare bones of his potions essay laid out next to him; and when he's joined by another person, he looks up at smiles at the familiar face. 

You can sit. I promise there's no risk of anything exploding.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He grins down at Tris and his gently simmering cauldron, sliding into the seat beside him.

I'm holding you to that. It would be a terrible shame if anything happened to this  Arithmancy homework. 

 He grabs a small sheaf of parchment and his quill - a plain, black feather, though it is slightly iridescent in the right light - and ink from his messenger bag, laying them down on the table beside his friend.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Oh don't tempt me, Firadel. I'll remember how jealous I am of you and your aptitude for Arithmancy and start going out of my way to ruin my potion on purpose. I could even make it caustic. 

He regards his array of ingredients a little doubtfully, before glancing back over at Talon. 

Probably. I could definitely make it smell really awful. 

He drops a handful of pale blue powder into the cauldron; but the smell remains inoffensive, and he starts to stir it again. 

It looks like you continue to survive me dragging you out to the woods with me. Maybe I'll have to rope you into with coming with me again the next time I go plant hunting. I'll make a Herbologist of you yet.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

His grin widens as Tris threatens the life of his homework, even as he mocks a shocked gasp, and he leans protectively over the messily scribbled numbers and figures. 

You wound me, Karenin. You and your callous nature, threatening my innocent homework. You wound me. 

 He watches as Tris adds the powder, knowing full well the smell thankfully won't get any worse. 

I like our little excursions to the woods. Maybe I'm already a great herbologist and I'm just pretending to still be shit at it so I can keep tagging along.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He bites back a laugh, and jostles Talon's shoulder with his gently 

 Oh, well if you're wounded then you and your homework have my apologies. 

He scribbles down a couple more notes, adds a couple more things into the cauldron; and then glances over at Talon, smile spreading across his face. 

So you're saying if I tell you that you can tag along regardless of how well you're doing in Herbology, you'll suddenly be a lot more helpful and I can stop worrying you're going to grab a death cap and accidentally poison yourself. That's what I'm hearing.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

I accept your apologies, thanks. 

He returns the light bumping of the shoulder, looking almost insufferably proud of himself, as he adds a few notes to his own homework. 

Hm? Is that so? 

The rogueish grin on his face softens, just a little, into something more genuine. 

Well. I mean. That makes me feel better, either way. But, alas, I will just have to keep bringing nothing but my charm and good looks on our excursions, because I am still dogshit at Herbology and still can hardly tell a wild garlic plant from a daisy.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

The charm and the good looks do make it a lot easier to forgive your being so abysmal at Herbology, it's true. 

He punctuates the teasing with a grin; and then his own expression turns into something softer, and he regards Talon curiously 

Are you going home for the holidays, or will I be able to keep borrowing you for wilderness excursions over Christmas?

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He snorts out a laugh, giving Tris another playful shove; but when Tris mentions going home for the holidays he goes very still and very quiet, like a bird frozen before flight, for just a second, before it seems to pass and he shakes his head. 

I ... no. No, I'm not going home. 

Well, he's not if he can help it, anyway. 

So, yeah, if you're staying, more fun in the woods for us, eh?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He catches the way Talon freezes, and hesitates for a moment before reaching to touch him, wrapping fingers gently around one of his wrists and squeezing in attempted comfort. 

Well, I won't pretend not to be pleased about that. I alternate my winter breaks between my godmother and my aunt, and this year is Cecelia's, so even if she wasn't somewhere in South America right now we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas. 

He hums, and for a moment rests a decent amount of his weight against Talon's shoulder, trying to ground him the way having Artemis in his arms does for Tris on his bad days. 

Fun in the woods in the snow, at that. Besides, when classes stop for the holidays we can even head down into one of the villages.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He almost - almost - startles when Tris' fingers close around his wrist, letting out a brief, sharp exhale through his nose; but Tris' hands are warm and gentle, and he allows himself to relax into the touch. 

Damn, I wouldn't mind being in South America over the winter. But, I suppose I'll settle for staying here. 

 He glances sidelong at Tris, a smirk on his face that still just misses his eyes, before Tris settles against him, a solid, reassuring weight; and Talon feels a little of the tension fall from him, his shoulders relaxing where they'd been locked tight. 

Wait, fuck, never mind, I forgot about snow. Yep, I'm for sure staying here. Besides, I bet South America doesn't have as good Firewhiskey as they do down in the villages, so ... 

And South America wouldn't have Tris, either, and that just wouldn't do at all.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He grins back at him, a little relieved, as Talon starts to relax again.

I wouldn't be too jealous. She'll be spending most of her time hiking through jungle; fun as it is to start, the humidity and the hard work don't make for a particularly relaxing holiday. 

His grin widens, creasing the corners of his eyes. 

No firewhiskey, and none of that really good hot chocolate they start making in the kitchens once half the student body has gone home. Freythorn is definitely the best place to be.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He ducks his head as Tris grins back at him, hoping his long hair hides the blush creeping into his cheeks. 

Yeah, y'know, you're right. Sounds like a lot of effort just to be warm over winter. 

His eyebrows raise when Tris mentions the hot chocolate. 

Wait, you guys have been having secret hot chocolate? I should've stayed over the holidays last year, goddamnit. Gonna have to try some of that this year.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He volunteers more information about Cecelia readily, latching onto the topic as a safe one that'd keep Talon present. 

Last year it was Siberia; I got a bunch of photographs from the other people on her research team of her wrapped up in like, six scarves. She looked like a marshmallow. 

He laughs softly at Talon's indignance, adopting a smug smile 

Mmm, the perks of being an overachiever and staying at school to study. It's an Arietal perk too, I think, since those of us who stick around during the holidays tend to spend all our time in the kitchens, but I don't mind sharing it. In the spirit of inter-house unity, and all that.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He laughs again at the idea, briefly imagining Tris bundled up like a marshmallow and feeling a flood of fondness. 

God, I can imagine. What is it they were researching up there? I don't mind the cold so much, but if you gave me the choice I'd probably still take South America. 

 He fake-huffs as Tris brags about the hot chocolate, crossing his arms indignantly. 

 Mmm, yeah, now you've told me you kinda have no choice but to share. Can't dangle that in front of me and then keep it all to yourself, I don't think I'd ever forgive you.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris answers eagerly, more than happy to talk about the woman who raised him. 

Cecelia's an expert in Ancient Runes; has written a couple of books, in fact. She's almost always off somewhere in the wild tracking down ruins, recording what she finds and making sure it's all safe and protected from any unsuspecting Narcana who might wander through a curse if they get curious. I used to travel with her, when I was a kid, really loved most of it; but I don't think running back and forth across the globe is what I want to do with my whole life. 

Tris props his chin in one hand and smiles back at Talon. 

What, never? Over a rescinded offer of hot chocolate? Ouch. I guess I have to share, then. I can't imagine having you mad at me.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon listens with genuine fascination as Tris explains Cecelia's work, leaning forward on his elbows, his homework long forgotten. 

Oh, shit, that's ... really cool, actually. You guys must've seen a lot, travelling so much. 

 He cocks his head a little when Tris mentions it's not something he wants to do forever, surprised. 

Huh, really? Not someone with itchy feet? I get that. I'd love to try exploring some, after Freythorn, but ... maybe not always. Would have to settle eventually, I think. 

He smirks, reaching out to gently ruffle Tris' hair. 

Mhm. My feelings are fragile and not to be tampered with, don'tcha know. You'll definitely have to share.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

His smile softens with fondness, and for a moment his gaze is distant, focused inward as he thinks about Cecelia. 

She's the most interesting person I know, and the only thing resembling a parent I've known in fifteen years. I was hard work, to start, but she got through it. 

He comes back to the present, snapping out of his introspection, and goes pink with embarrassment, before smiling sheepishly at Talon. 

But yes. Yeah. Never a dull moment. 

He chews on the inside of his lip and shrugs 

Cecelia is my home, has been my home for almost as long as I can remember, but I'd love something...static. Fixed. I half think of it as something I've picked up off Artemis; she's most comfortable in a place that smells like her, somewhere familiar. That's...that's what I want. Long term. 

Tris leans into the touch a little, like a cat, can't help himself, but immediately goes pink across his cheeks when he realises what he's doing, and ducks his head. 

Well, I suppose I can do that for you. For the sake of your oh so delicate feelings.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

He watches Tris steadily as he speaks, seeing clearly the fondness he has for his guardian. 

She sounds awesome. The more you tell me about her the more I want to meet her, honestly. But ... yeah, I get that. 

He fidgets a little in his seat, glancing up to one of the windows. 

I've ... never really known a place I could call home, exactly. I'd like to, someday. 

He pauses a moment, then grins, looking back at Tris. 

A home with all of the hot chocolate and Firewhiskey, and a bunch of cats, and a spare bed so you could stay whenever you wanted. ... If you wanted.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

 Well, she might turn up unexpectedly and demand I trek down to have lunch with her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I was to drag you along with me. 

He almost reaches for Talon again, but instead he settles more firmly against Talon's side, and with a tap of his wand against his cauldron sets his finished potion to start decanting into the glass vials lined up beside it. The offer has him going bright red and flustered even as he stares back at Talon. 

I- yeah! Yes, of-of course I want...when- yeah. Absolutely. 

 He feels like an idiot, blushing and tripping over his words, and he ducks his head, embarrassed; but not before a warm smile spreads across his face.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Oh, fuck yeah. Lunch and getting to meet the famous Cecelia? That'd be the best. 

 Warmth floods Talon's chest as Tris settles in closer to him, and he vaguely considers getting back to his Arithmancy work, but then Tris stutters and stumbles and blushes and smiles bright, and he decides pretty firmly he does not care about numbers at all right now. Future Talon can deal with that. He shifts ever so slightly, just enough to close any remaining space between them, and lets a soft, genuine smile of his own bloom across his face. 

Well, good, because I won't be dishing out Firewhiskey and hot chocolate to just anyone who swings by, hm?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

 She'll be happy to have a captive audience to her stories. I've heard all the really good ones, including the real, accurate versions from the other researchers who were with her. 

He can easily imagine Cecelia and Talon getting on famously, and it conjures a smile across his face; but what has him really grinning is imagining him meeting Yanli, if Cecelia decides to bring her mother with her to visit. He doesn't know quite how Talon would react to five feet of overprotective Chinese adopted grandmother, but he's reasonably sure it would be extremely funny. He gets a hold of himself enough to respond to Talon's words, clawing his way back to teasing instead of a flustered mess. 

Well if I get special privileges then I'll have to visit all the time. 

His smile softens, something a little more honest than he intended creeping into his voice. 

You'll get sick and tired of me, Talon.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Ha, I can imagine. I bet there's some wild stuff in there. 

He, too, enjoys the thought of actually putting a face to the name of someone Tris speaks so highly of. 

I bet she has some amazing stories about you. 

His teasing tone drops, though, at the last thing Tris says, and he figures it's his turn to offer a little comfort, his touch feather-light on the back of Tris' wrist - not quite brave enough to take hold, but letting his fingertips settle there. 

Sick and tired of you? Impossible. Besides, who else is gonna keep me from planting death-caps in the yard?

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris winces at the mention of childhood stories 

Oh yes. She's overflowing with stories about the trials of taking care of a grumpy thirteen year old me while wading through thick Chinese jungle. 

He can already see her in his mind, getting ready to relay her favourite story, the one featuring one of her more distractingly pretty fellow researchers and the crisis thirteen year old Tris had had over his first real crush on someone; and maybe, actually, Talon and Cecelia should never meet. Maybe for the sake of Tris' sanity they should stay far, far away from each other. The touch has his smile becoming a little more real, and he let's out a breath; before widening his eyes in mock horror 

You're planning to keep a garden? Shit. I suppose I have no choice. You might actually die if you're left to your own devices with plants.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon doesn't miss the brief wince, and his grin widens in response. 

Oh, perfect. I bet you were an absolute delight. That's one hundred percent the first thing I'm going to ask her about. 

 He searches Tris' face a moment, and sees the grimace become a more genuine smile - and lets that embolden him a little, gently closing his fingers around Tris' wrist, laughing softly as Tris teases him. 

 Mhm, exactly. You'll just have to come over a bunch, make sure I'm not actively being strangled by vines because I thought they were a nice ivy, or something.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He rolls his eyes, and sticks his tongue out at Talon. 

I was awful even before I started talking again. Classic example of a teenager. 

He pulls a face at him at the second part, before laughing under his breath. They can definitely never meet. Definitely. The grip makes Tris relax more, and he lets out noise of mock distress 

Please never touch any plants that move of their own volition. Especially not vines. I do not want to see you devoured by a plant

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon returns the gesture, his grin all mischief, but then cocks his head a little, locking that nugget about Tris away to maybe ask about later, when the time feels more right. 

Uh-huh. I was a fuckin' bastard of a teen too, don't worry. 

His thumb traces idle circles over the ridge of Tris' wrist, almost without thinking. 

All the more reason for you to visit all the time. To babysit. Because I'm sure that's been your dream since you were a bastard teen, to one day babysit a dumb fuck who keeps almost getting eaten by vines.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Tris huffs, laughs softly; and turns his wrist in Talon's grip, just enough for his fingertips to brush Talon's palm. 

He is, he can admit to himself, too much of a coward to actually hold Talon's hand, but the step itself feels significant regardless. 

Again, the honesty comes pouring out without his intention, but it's less sad than previous. 

Doesn't sound so bad to me, when you put it that way. I suppose it depends on the dumb fuck in question, and how fond I am of them.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon goes very, very still as Tris' fingertips brush up against his hand, the laughter dying from his lips before it really has a chance at life; and his gaze flicks up to Tris' face, looking for all the world like a rabbit caught in headlights. He swallows, not sure he remembers how to breathe, suddenly. 

Oh. 

It's more an exhale than a word; but the briefest flicker of a smile, honest and almost surprisingly sweet, tugs at the corners of Talon's mouth, and he slowly slides his fingers into the spaces between Tris', his hold feather-light to allow Tris room to pull away, in case he might have misread something. He opens his mouth to speak, to make a joke and break the tension, but decides instead just to let the moment sit, something bright and hopeful in his eyes as he carefully watches Tris for any sign of discomfort.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

There's...probably very little else that could make every thought in Tris head come to a screeching halt quite the way Talon holding his hand does; and he stares back at him, something surprised and unspeakably soft pulling at the corners of his eyes. 

After a moment, he closes his fingers around the back of Talon's hand in return, and squeezes very gently before letting out a breath, and smiling back at him, helpless to how the expression splits his face and has him nearly shutting his eyes all the way. 

Oh. 

He echoes, and runs his thumb over the side of Talon's hand. 

Hey. Does this mean you'll let me copy your Arithmancy homework?

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon's breath catches as Tris' hand closes around his, his eyes going a little wide for a second; but then it all spills out of him in a rush of laughter when Tris asks about the Arithmancy homework, and he ducks his head to let his long hair hide his equally wide, bright smile, and the blush that spills into his cheeks. 

Fuckin' - of course you can, you fuckin' dork. 

 He peeks up at Tris once more, almost shyly, before returning the gentle squeeze of his hand.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Oh I'm the dork, huh? 

He teases, a little giddy at making Talon go that excellent shade of pink.

It becomes a little more tricky to clear up his potions homework with only the one hand, but like hell is Tris letting go of Talon's hand until he really has to, so he deposits his vials decanted potion and the bottles of ingredients into the now empty cauldron one handed, along with the scroll of notes for his essay; and then turns back to face Talon properly. 

So um. I mean. I'm going to the Gala with Esma. Most- mostly to stop him from trying to fight anyone more than six inches taller than him, really, but also because when he's not threatening to hex people he's actually a lot of fun.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Yep. You sure are. 

He watches with fondness as Tris clears up without letting go of his hand, and goes to ask if Tris, like, maybe needs both hands - but he, too, is kind of glad Tris isn't letting go, and so decides to keep his mouth shut, for now. He nods, though, when Tris tells him he's going to the Gala with Esma, and smiles a little sheepishly. 

Oh, yeah, no worries. I already, uh, asked Cassius as well, so. No worries there. Just as friends, obviously, and mostly because Cass is sweet and will fully come and raid the buffet table with me.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

He smiles at the mental image of Talon and Cass raiding the buffet table, and hums in understanding; before deciding to be brave. 

Well I. That is, I thought maybe, if you wanted to practice for the dancing part of the evening, we could practice together? I've had some lessons. I don't have any remarkable skill at raiding buffet tables, but I. The other stuff. I could help with that, if you wanted.

Talon & Icarus | Ren

Talon quirks a brow at Tris' offer, a playful spark in his eye. 

Y'know, I like the sound of that. God knows I need the practice, or poor Cass is gonna have sore feet.

Tris & Syx  || Caitlin 🦊

Well then for the sake of my fellow Arietal I'm going to have to insist we practice at least once before the Gala.